Better Think About Flying Animals Into Canberra.

[Steve]

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/airport-staff-query-pets-transfers/2097699.aspx

Airport staff query pet's transfers

BY PETER JEAN09 Mar, 2011 01:00 AMDogs and cats are unnecessarily exposed to the elements and could be at risk of being hit by vehicles after being unloaded from planes at Canberra Airport, according to baggage handlers.

Qantas baggage handlers, speaking on condition of anonymity, have told The Canberra Times that cages containing pets are routinely left outside for up to an hour after being unloaded from aircraft.

The handlers said a shady area where pets used to be left had ceased to be available when the new airport terminal opened last year.

They were concerned about animals being exposed to very hot and cold conditions and to prolonged noise from aircraft.

One handler said animal containers were sometimes placed dangerously close to areas used by service vehicles.

Workers said they raised their concerns with managers and the RSPCA but a Qantas spokesman said the company had no knowledge of any problems with the handling of cats and dogs.

''Qantas is not aware of any issues with the way cats and dogs are handled at Canberra Airport ...'' the spokesman said.

Transport Workers' Union official Ben Sweaney said immediate steps should be taken to improve arrangements for pets after they were unloaded from aircraft. For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times